Horse, Pony or Donkey

Keeping a horse, pony or donkey is a huge responsibility and commitment that should not be taken on lightly

Equids can live for 25 – 40 years. Could you commit to providing care for the animal throughout its life?

Did you know:

Horses, ponies and donkeys, like all animals, need five things to be healthy and happy; these are called the five welfare needs. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland, all owners need to provide these five things for the pets they keep:

1. Environment – a suitable living environment

2. Diet – a suitable diet

3. Behaviour – to be able to behave normally

4. Companionship – to have appropriate companionship

5. Health – to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

If you decide to buy a horse, pony or donkey, PAAG recommends the following:

Consider contacting your local animal rescue/rehoming centre

Research before you buy. Be sure you understand the needs of the horse and that you have the time, skills and finance to provide for them

Choose a type of horse that will be suited to your circumstances and requirements

Make sure you have secured appropriate facilities where your new horse will be kept and you will have the support of knowledgeable people

Check that the horse is healthy and fit for the purpose for which you intend to use it. Your local veterinary practice should be able to advise you on pre-purchase vetting

Take someone experienced, perhaps your riding instructor, with you to try the horse. It may be necessary to visit more than once before you make the decision to buy

Be prepared to wait for the right horse rather than settle for an animal which you are unsuited to and that you may be forced to part with after a short time

If your chosen horse does not originate from the place of purchase, ask where it came from and try to discover its previous history

Ensure that the equine passport is available and that the animal matches the description. If the animal also has separate vaccination certificates, breed papers or other identification documents, make sure that these are given to you at the time of purchase if they form part of the conditions of sale

In the case of a foal, ideally you should view the parents and buy from a reputable breeder once the foal has been successfully weaned at an appropriate age

Foals and young horses require a lot of additional care and handling to ensure that they develop properly until they are ready to be prepared for riding (at least four years old)

Remember that horses, ponies and donkeys are powerful animals and can cause considerable damage. You should consider taking out 3rd party insurance cover. Similarly, veterinary bills for equids can be very high and you should consider insurance to cover these bills